Maryland has several educator preparation programs available. Learn about our traditional or alternative preparation programs and additional options for you to consider to help you become a Maryland-certified teacher!
Maryland Approved Preparation Programs
Maryland has more than 350 professional educator certification programs at 23 colleges and universities in Maryland. If you are interested in pursuing a traditional preparation program, view our full list of Maryland Approved Preparation Programs.
Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Programs
Maryland's alternative preparation programs are tailored to meet the staffing needs of Maryland school districts while providing the convenience necessary to attract experienced, diverse individuals to the classroom. School districts offer alternative preparation, in partnership with two-year or four-year colleges or other private providers. Alternative preparation programs differ from traditional programs in that alternative preparations lead to teacher certification, but not necessarily to a degree. Alternative preparation programs allow you to begin teaching and receive a salary much earlier, and they offer affordable coursework. Because of the modified timeframe, alternative preparation programs are considered intensive and very challenging. If you are interested in pursuing an alternative preparation program, view the full list of Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Programs.
Associate Arts in Teaching
These programs are designed to link up with four-year programs to provide opportunities to achieve teacher certification. The AAT Programs at community colleges focus on meeting early teacher education coursework and field experience requirements that can be transferred to a four-year institution.
Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) Programs
The Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program prepares high school students for further education and careers in the education profession. The program focuses on human growth and development through adolescence, teaching as a profession, curriculum and instruction, and an education academy internship. Upon completion of the program high school graduates are qualified to be employed earning a salary and benefits as a paraprofessional or teaching assistant. Students can receive college credit and/or scholarships to pursue teacher education degrees at several Maryland colleges and universities.